The Plank Sellers’ Association of Ogun State, Ijebu-Ode Chapter (Atapako), has distanced itself from a reported protest against the Ogun State Government and the Ministry of Forestry, reaffirming its support for the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The association made its position known at a press conference held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, where its leaders also announced plans to celebrate Atapako Day, endorse All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates and confer chieftaincy titles on selected members

During the event, the association’s leaders distanced themselves from a reported protest against the Ogun State Government and the Ministry of Forestry, reaffirming their support for Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

Oloye Olusegun Osanyitola, the second-in-command of the association in Ijebu-Ode, expressed disbelief over the protest, saying the association had maintained a cordial relationship with the state government since Governor Abiodun assumed office.

Osanyitola said the press conference was one of the steps taken to communicate the association’s objectives and make its position known to the public.

Similarly, Mrs Abdul Oluwakemi, chairperson of the Central Plank Market, said the association was not involved in the protest and reaffirmed its support for the state government.

Also speaking, Pastor Adekoya Adewale, the zonal chairman of the association in Ijebu, described the state government as peaceful and maintained that the association had continued to cooperate with the administration. He insisted that those involved in the protest were not members of the Plank Sellers’ Association.

Adekoye also explained the cost implications of plank sales, highlighting differences in prices among operators in the timber market. He appealed to the government to address concerns affecting the association’s operations and promote peaceful coexistence among groups in the trade.

He explained that the association had operated in the timber business for many years, sourcing wood from Ondo, Oyo and Kogi states, as well as the Waterside area. According to him, members had obtained approval to sell wood in Waterside and ogbere paid government revenue at Atoyo and other toll points.

The zonal chairman urged the government to recognise the association and provide clear operating guidelines to prevent further disagreements in the market.

Mrs Oluwakemi lawal ijebu ode sub Zone women leader and Mrs Afolashade Quadri also urged the government to interven in the matters , that the association fully in support of prince Dapo ABIODUN administration and commissioner of forestry Hon Oludotun Taiwo 

The association’s leaders maintained that they remained committed to conducting their business peacefully and in accordance with government directives.